2020 Winter Season Preview
5:30 Silver Snakes vs Blue Barracudas
The 2020 season opens with a repeat of the 2019 title match. The Snakes managed to retain a couple of players from their championship team. Notably Norris Trophy winner Keith Mock and Rookie of the Year Winner Nolan Mock. A trio of rookies was added through the draft, the first-round pick Todd Kamzik, fourth-round pick Pat Callahan and fifth-round pick John Shander. Each will have large shoes to fill with the departure of key pieces from the title team. Forward Zack Kuzmyak, 2019 Comeback player of the year nominee, will help to bring some experience to an unseasoned group.
The Barracudas offered extensions to 4/6 skaters that helped the team advance to the inaugural championship series. Returning for the fish are forwards Brandon Curtis, Nate James, Jared Pavic and defensemen John Matchock. The addition of speedster/workhorse Cory Mesteller will help to fill the void left behind by recently retired Russ Griffith. Meanwhile, the fish will eagerly wait for the return of injured defensemen Bernie Seth who is still recovering from an upper-body injury. Replacement defensemen Gage Lohr expected to start 1-3 weeks.
6:30 Green Monkeys vs Red Jaguars
The Monkeys opted for a nearly complete rebuild in 2020 after the get along gang failed to deliver. Management went offense heavy in the early rounds by acquiring forwards John Poloyac, Austin Smay and Bryan Scott. This trio accounted for more than 90 goals and 3 MVP nominations in 2019. Forward Brian Terek, who has 1 additional JRHL ring than the previously mentioned players, rounds out the offense for this group. On defense veteran, Adam Stahl will be quarterbacking the point and likely mentoring rookie defensemen Derrian Matchock. Some are calling this group the team to beat.
Returning for the Jaguars is forward Duane reed, one of only 2 players to net 40 during the fall season, and the hustler Matt Andrascik. A pair of former Parrots were added through the draft with the acquisition of first-round pick Chad Davis and third-round combo pick of Bryce Bostian/Alec Devlin. Jaguar’s leadership is hopeful that a change of scenery will heighten motivation for Bostian, who saw his stock free fall on draft night. On the blue line is a pair of experienced veterans- Travis Turchak aka TuT and Scott the Hound Dog Bassett who enters his 30th season.
7:30 Purple Parrots vs Orange Iguanas
This bitter rivalry is picking up right where it left off. The Iguanas took the season series during the fall by winning 2/3 which included back to backs to end the season.
The Parrots opted to extend forward Adam Seidel and defensemen Mike Crowe in reward for their lofty contributions during the 2019 season. Two rookies were added through the draft, second overall pick Jeremy Hobor, who may contend for a scoring title, and energy forward Ben Grove, a long-time member of the Pellegrino teams. The Parrots will attempt a unique strategy in 2020 by dressing 3 Dmen. Third round draft pick Alan Homan will look to build on a fairly meager fall season while defensive partner CJ Boxler hopes to have his name engraved a second time.
Two players return for the Iguanas in 2020: Forward Zack Wesner and D man Nate Seidel- the lone defenseman on this roster. A pair of former Snakes was added in Steve Costic and ‘19 League MVP Tim George. This duo will undoubtedly help the iguanas improve in the Goals For column- a spot they ranked near the bottom last season. Rookie forward Zack Podrasky will likely provide a secondary scoring option while team player Chris Mical makes the transition to defense.
